Technology

Will Google Glass be the next Segway?

Google's (GOOG) augmented-reality eyewear, Google Glass, could be the most exciting new consumer technology to hit the market since Apple's (AAPL) iPhone.

But it also could turn out to be the next Segway Human Transporter.

Like the overhyped Segway, Google Glass raises societal and legal concerns about its use. After Segway debuted, questions quickly arose about whether it was legal to drive the self-balancing scooter on roads and sidewalks. That ended up hindering adoption of the Segway.

Now consider Google Glass.

If cellphones are illegal for drivers to use in many places because of distracted driving, what about Google Glass and their eye-level computer display? Maybe that's one reason why Google is also working on self-driving cars.

And since the Google glasses are a video camera that you wear, that creates potential problems where cameras are not allowed, such as movie theaters, museums, gym locker rooms and many kinds of meetings.

And if you're having a conversation with someone wearing Google Glass, how do you know you're not being recorded?

Google Glass has the potential to make everyone a spy or a creep.

Google glasses also create opportunities for cheating in school and on game shows. I'd love to play "Jeopardy" with Google Glass wirelessly linked to IBM's (IBM) Watson computer.

And, as always with new technology, commentary writers on news sites are wondering if people will use Google Glass to stream porn. I also can envision the news stories about the first porn movie shot entirely with Google Glass, followed by some "found-footage" independent horror movie filmed with the specs.

Google and the public have time to deal with these many issues. Google Glass is not expected to be widely available to consumers until next year.

On Wednesday, Google started taking online applications for early adopters in the general public. Google plans to sell 8,000 pairs of Google glasses for $1,500 each to the winners, the Guardian reported.